[A ‘Tuesday Challenge‘ originally prepared for the congregation of Horley Baptist Church during October 2026]
The people of Joseph said to Joshua, ‘Why have you allotted us only one portion of land and one share for an inheritance? We are a numerous people, and the Lord has blessed us abundantly.’
Joshua 17 v14 [NIVUK]
The Old Testament books of Numbers and Joshua define the extent of the land allotted to the twelve tribes of Israel. However, in several cases the tribes were not satisfied with their allocation. In the specific case quoted in our opening verse, there was adequate land available but it required some hard work to occupy it.
Are you dissatisfied with the blessings that God has given you?
Are you willing to invest in the talents that God has given you?
During a recent Sunday morning service Ian Gray spoke about the need for the church to be prepared, specifically about the need to make room for those who will join the congregation as part of God’s future plans. In parallel with the example of the people of Joseph, there is adequate land available but it will require hard work to bring the plans to fruition.
Whilst the church leadership may advocate a course of action it rests with the church congregation to decide whether or not to agree with them. However, a congregation is composed of individuals, each of whom has a place in God’s plans. Before considering collective action there is a fundamental question which each of us as individuals must address:
Have you any room for Jesus,
He who bore your load of sin?
As He knocks and asks admission,
Sinner, will you let Him in?
D. W. Whittle
Making room is not sufficient. It is a common experience that as we make more room so we acquire more items to fill the new space. What is the use of making room if we do not also make time to seek God’s plans for how that space will be used?
It is often the case that our own priorities determine our personal plans, plans which we then present, ready formed, to God for his blessing. Instead, we should accept that God knows the plans that he has for us;[1] we need to let him share them with us in his own time.
Take time to be holy, let Him be thy guide,
and run not before Him, whatever betide.
In joy or in sorrow, still follow the Lord,
and, looking to Jesus, still trust in His word.
William D. Longstaff (ca. 1882)
Our title includes a third element – ‘Make Way’. This phrase can have two meanings, both of which require some movement. On the one hand it can be an instruction to get out of the way or to not be a hindrance – someone or something important is coming. On the other hand it can be likened to a ship which is moving under power, moving forward with a purpose, not drifting or lying idle. How do we know what movement is required of us?
Show me Thy way, O Lord, and make it plain:
I would obey Thy word, – speak yet again.
I would not take one step until I know
Which way it is that you want me to go.
Jane Euphemia Saxby (c1849)
Make room, make time, make a move – what are you making?
References:
[1] Jeremiah 29:11-13
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Contributed by Steve Humphreys; © Steve Humphreys